If George had met Her First.

Unto Us, a Rose is Born.

Part nine- Neville's POV

 As I sat in the house waiting for Luna to get dressed, hundreds of thoughts raced through my head. What's Meredy up to? Why did Gran lie about her? What's Meredy up to? Does Greorge fancy her? What's she up to? I realize it's not much but, in a sense, it was a lot.

 "Luna, darling." I called out.

 "Yes, Neville?" I looked up as she came out in a pretty yellow sundress. 

 "Well for one you look amazing," I said with a grin.

 "Thank you, I appreciate that." She said in that light bubbly tone she has. "So what's on your mind?"

"It's about Meredy. Do you think George likes her?"

"Undoubtfully. You can see it all over his aura when she's around. It's quite beautiful." She sat next to him and took his hand. "It's in hers too."

"Really?" I asked. She nodded.

 "They have a connection. Both have, or had, twin brothers that they lost. Meredy knows how it feels, and George needs someone that knows that feeling. He can't keep having people feeling sorry for him. He wants someone who understands. And that someone is Meredy." 

 I nodded. I understood now. Even though she's my little sister, and I want to protect her, she needs George. And George is a friend of mine. Taking her from him would kill him. All is good. I looked at my bride-to-be and pulled her into hug her. "I love you, Lune."

 "I love you too, Neville." She said. I had heard her say those words for years now, but it still filled me with joy every time. I never would have thought this would happen back in school. I've got the girl of my dreams, my sister is back, she's making one of my best friend's happy by just being his friend, and I get to start my dream job soon as Herbology Professor at Hogwarts. All is well.

"Merry Christmas," Luna said, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Merry Christmas, love." I looked at my watch. "Well, we best head to the Burrow. Is Xenophilius meeting us there?"

 Luna nodded and took my hand as she stood up. I squeezed it tight, and turned out of the room. We Apparated directly to the front yard of the Burrow, which was now decorated all over for the Christmas party. "Neville, Luna, so glad you could make it!" Harry called out as he walked down the porch with Ron and George, and handed us a drink. "Meredy is helping Ginny and Hermione decorate the cake for Mrs. Weasley."

 "I think I'll go join them, I'll see you guys later," Luna said as she smiled and skipped away. 

 "She sure hasn't changed," Ron said. Harry and I just nodded in agreement as we laughed.

 "So how have things been here?" I asked.

 "For who? I've been stressed. Ron has been stressed. And George is having the time of his life!" Harry tipped back his glass and downed the rest of it. "Ain't that right Georgie?"

 "Shut up 'Arry. Stupid ole bloke," George said trying to conceal his smile. 

 "Hey, treat her right George. Or else you'll have to deal with me." I said jokingly. He accepted the challenge.

 "Oh really? What will you do to me Professor?" He snickered.

 "You'd be surprised what side-effects a Snuddle-Squirter herb can have on your.. manhood." I said taking a swig of the firewhiskey Harry had handed me. The three of them roared with laughter. 

 "Okay, okay mate. I take it back." George said wiping a tear away. We stood around laughing, greeting more people as they came, and just having a ball. Until..